Settings → PersonalizationTo get themes in Windows 11, you open the themes page in the personalization settings, pick one of the themes that ship with Windows, or download new ones from Microsoft’s app store. A theme bundles a desktop background, window colors, sounds, and mouse pointer style, so one click changes the whole look of your PC.
- Open Settings → Personalization, select the themes page, then pick a theme or use the browse option to download more.
- Downloaded themes appear in the same theme list, where you select one to apply it.
- To change only the wallpaper and keep everything else, use the Background page instead.
How to get themes in Windows 11
1. Open Personalization in Settings
Press Windows + I to launch Settings. In the left navigation pane, select Personalization.
2. Open the themes page
In the personalization options, select the themes entry. This page shows the theme you are using now and the themes already available on your PC.
3. Apply a theme that is already installed
Browse the list of available themes and select one. Windows applies it to your desktop right away, including its background picture, colors, and sounds. If you do not like the result, select a different theme from the same list.
4. Download new themes from the store
If the installed themes are not enough, select the browse option that opens Microsoft’s app store with a collection of Windows themes. Choose a theme you like and use the button there to get it. Check the details on the store page before you download.
When the download finishes, return to the themes page. The new theme is now in your list, and you can select it to apply it. Microsoft also describes this process in its article about Windows themes.
5. Customize and save your own theme (optional)
After applying a theme, you can adjust its pieces: the background, the accent color, the sounds, and the mouse pointer. Once the look suits you, use the save option on the themes page and give the theme a name. It then appears in your list, so you can switch back to it at any time.
Change only the desktop background
If you only want a new wallpaper rather than a full theme, use the background settings. Go to Settings → Personalization → Background. Alternatively, open the page directly:
Open "Background" in Settingsor press Win+R, type ms-settings:personalization-background, and press Enter
On this page you can use these options:
- Choose your desktop background lets you pick a picture, a solid color, or a slideshow of photos as your wallpaper.
- Choose a picture fit controls how the picture fills the screen, for example whether it is stretched, cropped, or centered.
The background is one part of a theme, so a theme you applied earlier keeps its colors and sounds while you change just the picture.
Share or delete a theme
To share a theme you saved, go back to the themes page, right-click your saved theme, and choose the option to save it for sharing. Windows creates a .deskthemepack file that you can send to friends or copy to another PC to get the same look there.
To remove a theme you no longer use, right-click it in the list and choose the delete option. The themes that come with Windows cannot be deleted, so only the ones you saved or downloaded can be removed.
If you do not see the theme you expect
- Check that you selected the downloaded theme in the list on the themes page. Downloading a theme does not apply it automatically.
- If the background looks different from what you expected, open Background and check what is chosen under Choose your desktop background. A slideshow can show different pictures over time.
- If your PC is managed by a work or school, the administrator can restrict personalization settings, including the background page, so some options may be unavailable.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get themes Windows 11 can use besides the built-in ones?
Open Settings → Personalization, select the themes page, then pick an installed theme or use the browse option to download more from Microsoft's app store and apply them.
Where do downloaded themes appear after I get them?
Downloaded themes are added to the theme list on the themes page in the personalization settings. Select the new theme there to apply it, because downloading alone does not change your desktop.
Can I change just the wallpaper without switching to a different theme?
Yes. Open Background in the personalization settings and use Choose your desktop background to pick a new picture while the rest of your theme stays the same.
How do I save my own custom theme in Windows 11?
Adjust the background, color, sounds, and mouse pointer, then use the save option on the themes page and type a name. Your theme is then listed with the others, so you can reapply it whenever you want.
Can I delete or share a theme I downloaded?
Yes. Right-click the theme on the themes page to delete it or to save it for sharing as a .deskthemepack file. The themes included with Windows cannot be deleted, only the ones you added.
Official Microsoft documentation
